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FEATURE | Annual Fund


Saving the Treasures of the Long Room

The story of the most successful alumni campaign in the history of the College, with thanks to all who contributed.

"The support has been tremendous, with €1.25M raised from alumni, the TCD Association and Trust and the Library, preserving the library collection for future generations."

Since October 2005, Trinity graduates from around the world have generously contributed to the ‘Save the Treasures of the Long Room‘ campaign. The aim of the campaign is to raise funds from alumni for cleaning the historic collection of books and manuscripts housed in the Old Library in Trinity.

The support has been tremendous, with €1.25M raised from alumni, the TCD Association and Trust and the Library, preserving the library collection for future generations. Over 2,845 alumni have contributed to the campaign, with the TCD Association and Trust making a total matched donation of €500,000.

To date, approximately one quarter of the collection in the Long Room (over 50,000 volumes) has been preserved. Approximately 40 per cent of the Fagel collection of books, pamphlets and maps amassed by the powerful Dutch Fagel family by the end of the 18th century has been treated. The preservation is set to continue throughout the year.

As part of the preservation, the entire holdings of the Old Library – Early Printed Books, Manuscripts and Archives – have been surveyed. The condition of the collection has been assessed and priority areas highlighted for action.

Beyond the cleaning and storage of books, the plight of the Old Library building (one of Ireland’s most important heritage structures) continues to be highlighted. A preservation strategy for the building is under way, with funding received from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Getty Foundation.

Should you wish to continue donating to the upkeep of the Library and its books, the ‘Save the Treasures of the Long Room’ campaign will remain open. We also encourage anyone interested in the Long Room and its collections to join Friends of the Library.

For more information please visit www.tcd.ie/Library/about/friends.php.

Susie Bioletti (Keeper of Preservation and Conservation) John Dillon (Alumni Director)